2021 BMW S 1000R vs 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW S 1000R 2021 BMW S 1000R

Naked bike

Engine
Titanium valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
451.9 pounds
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Naked bike

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
197 hp / 147 kW @ 11000rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
240 kg / 529 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2021
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic, San Marino Blue, Motorsport red/blue/white-
Make Model-Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Dimensions
Seat Height814 mm / 32.0 in.830 mm / 32.6 in
Wheelbase1439 mm / 56.7 in.1455 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1228 mm / 48.3 in.1130 mm / 44.4 in
Length2057 mm / 81.0 in.1130 mm / 44.4 in
Width845 mm / 33.3 in.810 mm / 31.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight178 kg / 392.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17.50 litres / 4.62 US gallons19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs240 kg / 529 lbs
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power-197 hp / 147 kW @ 11000rpm
Max Torque114.0 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.1 ft.lbs) @ 9250 Revolutions"137 Nm / 101 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.9270 HP/kg-
Engine
CO2155.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.1 x 2.0 inches-
Displacement (cc)999.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)60.96 cubic inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (mm)80.0 x 49.7 mm-
Displacement-998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine DetailTitanium valvesFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system and knock sensor-
Bore x Stroke-76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio12.1:111.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4-
Engine LubricationWet sump-
ExhaustHP Slip on Titanium Silencer4-1-2
Fuel Consumption6.70 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.11 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Fuel-injected with supercharger
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Ignition-Digital
Lubrication-Forced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate cluth in oil bath, anti-hopping clutch, mechanically controlledWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.556 (46/18)
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 2nd 2.471 3rd 2.045 4th 1.727 5th 1.524 6th 1.348
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveChain 17/45-
Primary Drive Ratios-1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / Drive-6-speed, return
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engineTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork 46 mm, compression and rebound stage adjustable43 mm inverted fork (SFF-CA) with KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs
Suspension - RearAluminium 2-sided swing arm, rebound damping adjustableNew Uni Trak, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake24.8°24.9°
Trail99 mm / 3.9 in.104 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in.134 mm / 5.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.2x 320mm semi-floating discs, Caliper: Dual radial - mount, Brembo Stylema monobloc, opposed 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Single-piston caliper.Single 260mm disc, 1-piston caliper
RimsCast aluminium. Black with Red Pinstripe.-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70ZR17 M/C 58W
Tyres - Rear-190/55ZR17 M/C 75W

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2021 BMW S 1000R and the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2021 BMW S 1000R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 814 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 134 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 BMW S 1000R vs 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 BMW S 1000R and 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
The 2021 BMW S 1000R uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 BMW S 1000R or the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
The 2021 BMW S 1000R has the lower seat at 814 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE sits higher at 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW S 1000R or the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW S 1000R has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE stands out for liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.